Deaconess Thelma Grady

Deaconess Thelma Grady

"I know it'll be rough when I'm gone. Take time to grieve but always keep moving ON."

Deaconess Thelma M. Grady transitioned from earth to glory on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. She was born on March 31, 1932 in Electric Mills, Mississippi and raised in Laurel, Mississippi during the Jim Crow Era when segregation ruled the day and opportunities for people of color were limited. She personally knew what it was like to ride on the back of the bus. But she also grew up in a family household that worked together and stressed the importance of education, a belief that would become the thrust of her motherhood and community service for decades to come. In her early years she matriculated from the historic Oak Park School (Class of 1953) where her schoolmates were such as Ralph Boston (US Olympian) and Leontyne Price (International Opera Soprano).

Deaconess Grady's civic and community service accomplishments are extensive: Founder & Past President of The Clients Council of Erie County, Inc., Past President of PA Clients Council, Board Member of PA Legal Services, Executive Committee Member National Legal Aid Defenders Association, and The National Oak Park Alumni Association. And her awards are just as extensive, ranging from local, statewide and nationwide honors. (WICU TV12 Community Involvement Award to the Social Service Award from Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc).

However, nothing was as extensive as was her faith and her love of family. Deaconess Grady once said, "AME Zion is my church but my faith is my relationship with God." Her joy of service shown brightest when she served as Deaconess during communion and baptism, whether at Antioch Baptist Church or First Good Samaritan AME Zion Church or worshiping at St. Paul's Baptist Church (Charlotte, NC) or decorating someone's door or making dolls, or baking something for her family and/or friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gussie Lee Thomas and Sis. Virgie Brown; children, Trina D. Grady and Dave Grady; brother, Robert Thomas, sister, Julia Thomas and godbrother, Bobby Harrison. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Ronnie A. Grady (Denise) Erie, PA, April F. Tate (Eddie) Charlotte, NC, Shawn E. Grady (Otis) Charlotte, NC, Arlo D. Grady (Andrea) Durham, NC; brothers Gilbert Thomas, Washington, DC and Charles Thomas, (Cypress, TX); a special aunt, Minister Mary Henderson, (Erie, PA) and godchildren Dennis Henderson, Jr (Monica) Pittsburgh, PA and LaWanda Goodwine (Rev. Amos, Jr.); Fifteen Grandchildren, Thirty great-grandchildren and Nine great-great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, acquaintances, and Church Families. Deaconess Grady's abounding Faith, abundant love, and amazing service has touched many and will continue for generations to come.

Friends may call at the First Good Samaritan A.M.E. Zion Church, 3209 Pennsylvania Ave., Erie, PA on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 9 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 am. Interment Lakeside Cemetery.

We'll see you on the other side Mama! Love you